The Eastside Memorial Early College High School and International High School, designed by Perkins+Will, will offer a STEM-focused curriculum that will provide specialized education for students with little to no proficiency in the English language.
The school, located in Austin, Texas, will sit on the site of the original L.C. Anderson High School, a historic African American high school that closed in 1971 following federal desegregation. The new facility will blend the old and new by incorporating elements of the original structure into the design scheme. The original, mid-century entrance, band hall, choir room, cafeteria, and an original classroom wing will all be preserved and rebuilt.
Courtesy Perkins+Will.
The entrance to the former location of the gym will become a community center entrance with a gallery that tells the stories of L.C. Anderson High School’s history. The gallery will include a timeline of the former school’s history, legacy medallions, and display cabinets for objects of historical significance.
See Also: University of Miami design/build program receives new immersive-learning facility
The low-profile red-brick building will be complemented by a new, taller section built primarily with metal and glass. The taller, four-story section of the building will feature learning space and student-focused classrooms. The school will feature maker labs, two gymnasiums, a health science lab, and a multi-use outdoor classroom courtyard with a performance stage, quiet reflection areas, and sensory gardens.
Courtesy Perkins+Will.
The $80-million project represents the first ground up high school in Austin Independent School District in almost 20 years. The education facility will make use of passive heating and cooling, natural daylighting, an its proximity to public transportation and bicycle routes in an effort to achieve LEED Silver certification.
The school is slated for completion in 2021.
Courtesy Perkins+Will.
Courtesy Perkins+Will.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 16, 2024
Mexico’s ‘premier private academic health center’ under design
The design and construction contract for what is envisioned to be “the premier private academic health center in Mexico and Latin America” was recently awarded to The Beck Group. The TecSalud Health Sciences Campus will be located at Tec De Monterrey’s flagship healthcare facility, Zambrano Hellion Hospital, in Monterrey, Mexico.
Student Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Construction begins on Auburn University’s new first-year residence hall
The new first-year residence hall along Auburn University's Haley Concourse.
K-12 Schools | Apr 10, 2024
A San Antonio school will provide early childhood education to a traditionally under-resourced region
In San Antonio, Pre-K 4 SA, which provides preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, and HOLT Group, which owns industrial and other companies, recently broke ground on an early childhood education: the South Education Center.
University Buildings | Apr 10, 2024
Columbia University to begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building
Columbia University will soon begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 80,700-sf building for the university’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons will provide eight floors of biomedical research and lab facilities as well as symposium and community engagement spaces.
K-12 Schools | Apr 10, 2024
Surprise, surprise: Students excel in modernized K-12 school buildings
Too many of the nation’s school districts are having to make it work with less-than-ideal educational facilities. But at what cost to student performance and staff satisfaction?
K-12 Schools | Apr 1, 2024
High school includes YMCA to share facilities and connect with the broader community
In Omaha, Neb., a public high school and a YMCA come together in one facility, connecting the school with the broader community. The 285,000-sf Westview High School, programmed and designed by the team of Perkins&Will and architect of record BCDM Architects, has its own athletic facilities but shares a pool, weight room, and more with the 30,000-sf YMCA.
K-12 Schools | Mar 18, 2024
New study shows connections between K-12 school modernizations, improved test scores, graduation rates
Conducted by Drexel University in conjunction with Perkins Eastman, the research study reveals K-12 school modernizations significantly impact key educational indicators, including test scores, graduation rates, and enrollment over time.
K-12 Schools | Feb 29, 2024
Average age of U.S. school buildings is just under 50 years
The average age of a main instructional school building in the United States is 49 years, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). About 38% of schools were built before 1970. Roughly half of the schools surveyed have undergone a major building renovation or addition.
Performing Arts Centers | Feb 27, 2024
Frank Gehry-designed expansion of the Colburn School performing arts center set to break ground
In April, the Colburn School, an institute for music and dance education and performance, will break ground on a 100,000-sf expansion designed by architect Frank Gehry. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the performing arts center will join the neighboring Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand by Gehry, forming the largest concentration of Gehry-designed buildings in the world.
Construction Costs | Feb 22, 2024
K-12 school construction costs for 2024
Data from Gordian breaks down the average cost per square foot for four different types of K-12 school buildings (elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and vocational schools) across 10 U.S. cities.
